Tankers will enjoy stronger earnings prospects than bulkers and boxships in the short run as the coronavirus crisis plays out, according to analysts.

In a Bloomberg webinar held on Wednesday, the negative impact of the Covid-19 outbreak on consumer demand and manufacturing activity was highlighted amid heightened fears over a global recession.

“The economic effects of the coronavirus will weigh on global shipping demand, especially for dry bulk and liners,” Bloomberg Intelligence’s senior freight transport analyst Lee Klaskow said.